Chamber golf event set for June 1 at Canaan

May 22, 2013

Fun, networking and making the community a better place will be on the play card at the 8th annual Elkins-Randolph County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament June 1 at Canaan Valley Resort & Conference Center.

The four-person scramble tournament, which kicks off with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, will feature cash awards for the top three teams, door prizes and special guest and former West Virginia University star running back Quincy Wilson.

"Canaan Valley is one of West Virginia's crown jewels," said Chamber Second Vice President Brian Elliott. "It's a very scenic course and always is in good condition. It's challenging enough to make it fun, but forgiving enough to make it playable."

About 13 teams already have signed up for the event, but several spots still are open. Last year's tournament attracted 26 teams.

"We are trending a little behind from last year," Elliott said. "We do have plenty of spaces available, though. The tournament is primarily made up of businesses that are part of the Chamber, but the other half is made up of people that like to golf in these types of events. Everyone is welcome."

This year's prize package includes $500 for the first-place team, $300 for second place and $100 for third place. In addition, each tournament participant will receive a gift bag filled with items donated by Chamber members and all golfers will be eligible to win a variety of door prizes, including passes to area golf resorts, grilling sets and much more.

Special awards will be given for the last-place team, longest drive, straightest drive, longest putt and closest to the pin. In addition, Performance Motors and Allegheny Insurance will donate prizes as hole-in-one sponsors. Those prizes include a car from Performance Motors and $10,000 in cash, a premium electronics package or airline tickets from Allegheny Insurance. Four holes will be selected for the hole-in-one prizes, with each pre-determined hole designated with a big prize.

"You can golf, have some fun, win some prizes if you're good or still win some prizes if you're not so good," Elliott said. We do have a last place prize. It's tokens to the driving range in Crystal Springs. Even if you're not good, you can walk away with something."

One group will even get to partner with Wilson, who went on to play professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons. The Weirton native, who is now on the WVU coaching staff, will be part of one of the foursomes. The entry fee for a team wanting to recruit the football star will be $500.

Elliott points out, though, that individuals wanting to play but who do not have a complete foursome still may enter. Chamber officials will help to fill teams for all who want to take part.

The tournament, which is one of the Chamber's main fundraisers for the year, helps to provide monetary support for events such as the group's annual Fourth of July fireworks show, the annual car show, Chamber breakfasts, speakers and seminars.

"We strive to make the areas we live in a better place to live, work and play by having a healthy local business environment," Elliott said. "It's an environment where businesses have the opportunity to get together, where the community has good businesses that are thriving and where there's jobs. That's the signature of an area that is doing well. The Chamber is the underpinning and behind-the-scenes group that helps support all those events in the community. We truly help bring the community together."

The deadline for registration is noon May 31, or as positions are available. Participants should arrive by 8:30 a.m. June 1 to complete registration. For more information, or to register, call 304-636-2717 or email the Chamber at chamber@erccc.com. Participants also will be treated to a pulled pork barbecue lunch.

"This event is for all skill levels," Elliott said. "It's as much about networking and having fun as anything else."